A graduate education is a great way to build your skillset and knowledge while expanding your career options. Earning a Master of Accounting (MACC) degree has numerous benefits for accounting and even other business professionals interested in entering the field.
We’ll cover just some of the various benefits of earning a graduate accounting education.
1. An effective way to prepare and qualify for several certifications – not just the CPA
There is a plethora of certifications within the accounting field because there are many areas you can specialize in. The most common is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, but there are others:
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Enrolled Agent (EA)
- Certified Bank Auditor (CBA)
The qualifications for each vary. For example, the CPA designation requires 150 credit hours to be completed to qualify to sit for the exam. An undergraduate degree provides 120 credit hours, and a good MACC program can easily satisfy the missing 30 credit hours.
An advanced education will help you get familiar with the materials on these rigorous certification exams and improve your chances of passing.
2. Accelerate to upper-management and executive positions – including CFO
If you're looking for career advancement, a MACC program is a great way to develop your analytical skills, deepen your knowledge of accounting principles, learn the latest technology and improve your management capabilities. A graduate degree will provide you with the skills and the credibility that employers look for when filling the most lucrative positions.
Earning your MACC will help push your career forward, preparing you to lead strategically and confidently.
3. Develop an area of expertise
Accounting is such a vast field with ample opportunities that an undergraduate education alone cannot expose you to it all or prepare you for them. A MACC program will help you explore different areas of expertise, whether its non-profits, government, or healthcare. You can also choose to specialize in areas like auditing, taxation or analytics.
4. Allows you to seamlessly transition into the field if you have no prior education in accounting
If you're interested in accounting roles but have no previous education within the field, a graduate education can help. There are graduate programs like the MACC at FIU that provide a pathway, or bridge program, for those who do not hold an undergraduate accounting degree. These pathways will help you learn some of the essential accounting principles needed to succeed in a graduate accounting program, which is ideal for those interested in a career transition.
5. Build a valuable professional accounting network
One of the best aspects of a graduate program is the opportunity to network with industry professionals. Networking events, webinars, guest lecturers and career fairs will allow you to meet individuals who could turn into mentors or colleagues. You'll also develop personal relationships with your classmates and professors that will last a lifetime.
A Great Return on Investment
The accounting field is diverse, stable, and provides a high income, but without a graduate degree, you may be limiting your options and missing out on the top-paying roles. To learn more about earning a Master of Accounting degree at FIU, join us for an information session.